Nursing Leadership

Nursing Leadership – Yesterday, Today and Beyond

THE HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM NURSING PROGRAM FOR FOURTEEN YEARS THROUGH THE SILVER TEA.

In 2001, the HCHD Foundation hosted its first Silver Tea event in support of nursing retention. The goal was to generate private funds for retention initiatives as well as educate the community on the outstanding and dedicated nursing staff at the Harris Health System. In 2008, the HCHD Foundation, in partnership with Harris Health System administration, developed the Nursing Leadership Fund to support nursing awards recognizing professional growth and development and to highlight excellence in clinical practice.

Annually, special recognition and monetary incentives are awarded to outstanding nurses who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of clinical competence, professional advancement, and community outreach. Recipients of this special recognition are nominated by their peers and reviewed by a panel of nurse administrators. In addition, the Nursing Leadership Fund (Fund) encourages nursing professionals to participate in nursing research initiatives that are then presented at local and national conferences, highlighting Harris Health’s high level of excellence. The Fund also has a work-school component. The work-school program is designed to provide funding for nursing personnel to further their education and training. Reimbursement for additional fees and book expenses is available to those who qualify. The Fund results in better trained nursing professionals and an excellence in clinical practices, thereby changing the lives of our patients.

Fourteen years later, Harris Health System nurses continue work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record patient symptoms, reactions and progress. Harris Health nurses collaborate with physicians in the performance of treatments and examinations, the administration of medications, and the provision of direct patient care in all aspects of nursing.